Construction of and method of constructing a protective and effective gripping glove or other garment

ABSTRACT

The present invention is embodied in a composite yarn having fibers of cotton and high-density polyethylene, or fibers of cotton, steel and fiberglass where the cotton fiber is in some fashion exposed to a surface to be engaged by the composite yarn. The present invention is further embodied in a method of making such composite yarns or a fabric including one or more composite yarns in accordance with the present invention. The present invention is further embodied in a method of making protective apparel, such as a glove, from a composite yarn or fabric in accordance with the present invention. By way of example, a knit glove made with either or any of the disclosed composite yarns enjoys the benefits of both cut-resistance and enhanced gripping ability. Such articles of manufacture thus protect a user from sharp or abrasive items while also allowing that user to handle items that may be wet or otherwise difficult to manipulate.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a protective and effective grip glove, sleeveor other garment. In particular, the invention is directed to a novelyarn construction that, when made and used in accordance with thepresent invention, would provide a cut resistant glove or other knititem having also effective grip characteristics even in moistureintensive environments.

BACKGROUND

Industrial safety focuses on protection of a worker from a variety ofdangers, including cuts and abrasions from handling of items in process.While hand and arm protection is critical, injury to other body parts isalso of concern. Thus, protective garments such as gloves, sleeves, armbands, vests, coats, leggings, pants and other garments are used toprovide protection in a variety of work environments. Such items must beboth strong and flexible to be effective. For example, gloves may beused to protect a worker from handling cold or hot items. Gloves mayalso be used to protect a worker from sharp or abrasive items. Aparticularly difficult environment is a bottling plant, which routinelyrequires a worker to handle a variety of potentially dangerous work inprocess such as glass, aluminum, in addition to operating the machinerythat is used in the processing of such work materials. A bottling plantinvolves yet further danger in that much of the material may be wet dueto the nature of such processes. Workers wearing gloves in such amoisture intensive environment need not only protection from punctures,cuts and abrasions, but also, an effective grip that guards againstslippage or mishandling of wet, often sharp, work materials.

A variety of work gloves have been used in such environments in thepast. String knit gloves are a more recent garment that are growing inpopularity. Such garments, and more particularly gloves, provide adesired flexibility and protection from both heat and cold. As a result,string knit gloves are replacing older work gloves made of canvas,leather or jersey. Further, string knit gloves have a multitude of usesranging from a jogging glove to manufacturing and package handlinggloves.

String knit gloves may be made using various fibers. The introduction ofaramids such as KEVLAR™ brand fiber and other aramid fibers has proveneffective against cuts, punctures and other abrasions. String knitgloves may also be made using Spectra™ brand polyethylene and even steelfibers. Moreover, to address grip ability and product life, PVC dot andbrick patterns have been used on the palm.

Even so, string knit gloves and other garments may be improved. Onerecognized problem with protective string knit gloves and garments isthat the fibers, especially the Spectra™ fiber, can still be slippery.Since these gloves are routinely used in food processing, glasshandling, automobile manufacture, metal stamping and other hazardouswork environments, there is substantial use of such gloves. Moreover,these environments and other such manufacturing facilities involve avariety of fluids. This causes the gloves or other garments to becomeeven more slippery. The problem is so acute that it has been suggestedto users that they place a disposable latex glove over the knit glove toimprove gripping ability. Of course, sliding a latex glove on over aknit glove is difficult to accomplish and awkward in use. As to othergarments, such as sleeves and the like, the suggestion has noapplication and the problem persists.

The art has attempted to address the slippage and grip problem by theuse of PVC dots that may be placed about the palm of fingers of a glove.However, there is a need in the art for garments, specifically glovesthat provide more direct and comprehensive gripping ability in thecontext of a string knit glove. One response in the art is to apply orcoat the glove or gloves with PVC in order to enhance gripping ability.

There is a further need in the art for gloves and other garments,including but not limited to sleeves, armbands, and protective apparelthat enjoy the benefits of a cut resistant knit having enhanced, morecomprehensive gripping ability.

There is a further need in the art for a yarn construction that providesthe fundamental element for constructing string knit garments, includinggloves, to protect a user and provide enhanced gripping ability.

There is a yet further need in the art for a knit glove and othergarments that provide not only cut resistance but also gripping abilityeven in moisture intense work environments.

These and other features, objects and advantages of the presentinvention will be seen and understood by those of ordinary skill in theart upon reading this application in conjunction with the associateddrawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, and the various embodiments thereof, addressesthe above issues, both independently and separately, to provide novelyarn constructions from which a variety of garments can be produced. Thepresent description, therefore, supports and discloses but does notlimit the invention.

A cut-resistant and effective gripping ability glove has been developedcomprised of a novel yarn construction. Those of ordinary skill willappreciate that the disclosed yarn construction has application wellbeyond that of a glove, including but not limited to sleeves, arm bands,vests, coats, pants, leggings and other clothing items. The invention isdisclosed in the form of a glove, but also embodied in any othergarment, having the following yarn constructions: (1) a string knitglove formed with fibers of cotton and high-density polyethylene; and(2) a sting knit glove formed with fibers of cotton, steel andfiberglass. In each instance, the cotton string is exposed to providecomprehensive and wet grip ability. Of course, many other garments maybe made of these yarn constructions.

The use of a cotton string not only provides for gripping of wet ormoist objects, but also provides a cost benefit. It is known that gloves(or sleeves or other garments) with superior cut resistance are madefrom yarns that cost substantially more than the materials of thepresent invention. Moreover, it has been found that gloves made of thesecond yarn has significantly enhanced cut resistance when compared to aglove made of aramid fibers of the same weight.

Described somewhat more particularly, the present invention is embodiedin a glove made with a unique combination of materials that provideseffective gripping ability for a user. For example, the inventionincludes a cut resistant and comprehensive gripping ability glove madewith a composite yarn having a cotton string or fiber comprisingapproximately 5 to 85 percent of the composite yarn by weight, and ahigh-density polyethylene string or fiber comprising 5 to 85 percent ofthe composite yarn by weight. Another embodiment of the presentinvention is a glove made with a composite yarn having a cotton stringor fiber comprising approximately 20 to 84 percent of the composite yarnby weight, a steel string or fiber comprising approximately 8 to 45percent of the composite yarn by weight, and a fiberglass string orfiber comprising approximately 8 to 45 percent of the composite yarn byweight. Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a glove madefrom composite yarn having a cotton string or fiber comprisingapproximately 70 percent of the composite yarn by weight, a steel stringor fiber comprising approximately 15 percent of the composite yarn byweight, and a fiberglass string or fiber comprising approximately 15percent of the composite yarn by weight. In each of these embodiments,it is to be understood that the cotton string or fiber is exposed so asto contact an item to be handled. By use of the cotton fiber, the gloveis able to contact the item more comprehensively than would PVC dots orthe like. Instead, the cotton fiber is able to make contact with anobject to be secured at all points where the user makes contact with theobject, as opposed to just those points at which a PVC dot or the likeis found.

It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the elementalyarns described herein may be used to manufacture a variety of garments.In fact, while the present invention has specific application tocut-resistant and enhanced gripping ability gloves, sleeves and thelike, it has application to any garment or product that may beconstructed in accordance with the invention. Thus, any fabric, garmentor other product manufactured with a composite yarn having either cottonand high-density polyethylene or cotton, steel and fiberglass is made inaccordance with the present invention. Thus, the present inventionincludes:

a composite yarn as described herein having fibers of cotton andhigh-density polyethylene, or fibers of cotton, steel and fiberglass; amethod of manufacturing such composite yarns for the construction ofgarments such as a glove; and a method of manufacturing a cut resistantand enhanced gripping ability fabric for use in the manufacture of aglove, garment or other item such as protective apparel or the like.

Objects, features and advantages of various systems, methods, andarticles of manufacture according to various embodiments of theinvention include:

Systems for providing cut resistant fabrics and garments having acomposite yarn with either cotton and polyethylene or cotton, steel andfiberglass with the cotton string exposed, such as a glove;

Methods of providing cut resistant fabric and garments, having acomposite yarn with either cotton and polyethylene or cotton, steel andfiberglass with the cotton string exposed, such as a glove; and articlesof manufacture providing cut resistant fabrics and garments a compositeyarn with either cotton and polyethylene or cotton, steel and fiberglasswith the cotton string exposed, such as a glove.

Other aspects, features and advantages will become apparent with respectto the remainder of this document.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an article of manufacture in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a fabric for an article of manufacture inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of an example composite yarn for a fabric andan article of manufacture in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of another example composite yarn for a fabricand article of manufacture in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a manufacturing process for a composite yarn used incut resistant fabrics and garments in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates another manufacturing process for a composite yarnused in cut resistant fabrics and garments in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a manufacturing process for a cut resistant fabricused in a cut resistant garment, such as a glove, in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods, andarticles of manufacture providing cut resistant and gripping abilityfabrics and garments utilizing your compositions of the invention, suchas a glove. References will now be made in detail to the disclosedembodiments of the invention which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an article of manufacture in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention. The article shown in FIG. 1 is aglove 100 with at least one composite yarn 102 as described herein.Generally, the cut resistant glove 100 is generally shaped to conform tothe shape of a user's hand. An example of a suitable composite yarn 102construction includes at least one cotton fiber and at least onehigh-density polyethylene fiber. Another example of a suitable compositeyarn 102 includes at least one cotton fiber and at least one steel fiberand at least one fiberglass fiber. It will be understood that eithersuitable composite yarns may be combined with yet other fibers, but willinclude at least those identified herein. Thus, for example, the firstsuitable composite yarn may be comprised of a cotton fiber, ahigh-density polyethylene fiber and another fiber such as Spectra™,Kevlar™ or any other suitable fiber.

In one embodiment, the glove can be made from a composite yarn with acotton fiber that comprises approximately 5 to 85 percent of thecomposite yarn by weight, and a high-density polyethylene fiber thatcomprises approximately 5 to 85 percent of the composite yarn by weight.Other embodiments can include other types of fibers and materials withdifferent material composition percentages. FIG. 2, as described indetail below, shows an example of such a construction.

In another embodiment, a glove can be made from a composite yarn with acotton fiber that comprises approximately 20 to 84 percent of thecomposite yarn by weight, a steel fiber comprising approximately 8 to 45percent of the composite yarn by weight, and a fiberglass fibercomprising approximately 8 to 45 percent of the composite yarn byweight. Other embodiments can include other types of fibers andmaterials with different material composition percentages.

Another embodiment, the glove can be made from a composite yarn with acotton fiber that is either wrapped around a base or core yarn of thecomposite yarn, or can otherwise be combined with the base or core yarnsuch that at least some of the cotton fiber is exposed to facilitatecontact with an object to be gripped or handled.

In another embodiment, the glove can be made from a composite yarn,wherein the composite yarn comprises cotton, steel, and fiberglass. Inthis example, a cotton fiber may comprise approximately 70 percent ofthe composite yarn by weight, the steel fiber may comprise approximately15 percent of the composite yarn by weight, and the fiberglass fiber maycomprise approximately 15 percent of the composite yarn by weight. Inthis embodiment, the composite yarn may once again include a cottonfiber either wrapped around a base or core yarn of the composite yarn,or can otherwise be combined with the base or core yarn such that someor all of the cotton fiber is exposed to facilitate contact with anobject to be gripped or handled.

In some or all of these embodiments, a glove or other garment made inaccordance with the invention can impart a grip on a portion of anobject in relatively wet condition. Furthermore, the use of cotton fiberin a composite yarn for cut resistant fabrics and garments, such asgloves, can minimize the material costs of the composite yarn ascompared to conventional fabrics and garments.

FIG. 2 illustrates embodiments of the invention. The fabric 200 shown inFIG. 2 can be used to manufacture, for example, glove 100 in FIG. 1. Asshown in FIG. 2, the fabric 200 can be formed as a plain weave thatincludes multiple body yarns 202. While the plain weave is illustratedin FIG. 2, other types of weaves may be used. In accordance with thepresent invention, the body yarns 202 shown in FIG. 2 can include atleast one composite yarn 204 comprising a core material, wrap material,or optionally, additional wrap materials. Various types of suitablematerials and compositions for a composite yarn in accordance withembodiments of the invention are described with respect to FIGS. 1, 3,and 4. However, it is to be understood that any suitable yarn materialmay be used so long as the other attributes of the invention arepresent.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a composite yarn in accordance with theinvention. For example, composite yarn 300 shown in FIG. 3 can be usedin the fabric 200 of FIG. 2. In the embodiments of the composite yarn204 shown in FIG. 3, the composite yarn may include a core material 301and a wrap material 302. In this embodiment, the core material 301 mayinclude a cut resistant fiber such as high-density polyethylene. Othersuitable cut resistant fibers and materials for a core material such as300, can include, but are not limited to, an aramid, acrylic, Vectran™(liquid crystal polymer), steel, fiberglass, a polyolefin, nylon,polyester, and other relatively strong, knittable, cut-resistantmaterials or fibers.

In one embodiment, a core material such as that shown at 301 in FIG. 3may be wrapped with cotton fiber to expose an external surface of cottonthat is capable of facilitating contact with an object to be gripped.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the wrap material 302 mayinclude at least one cotton fiber with an exposed external surfacecapable of facilitating contact with an object to be gripped. The wrapmaterial 302 shown in FIG. 3 can be wrapped, wound, twisted, or in anysuitable manner cover at least a portion of the core material 300.

In yet another embodiment, a cover material 302 may include a cutresistant fiber or material, such as high-density polyethylene. The cutresistant fiber or material can be wrapped, wound, twisted, or canotherwise cover at least a portion of the core material 300. Othersuitable cut resistant fibers or materials for a cover material such as302 can include, but are not limited to, an aramid, acrylic, Vectran™(liquid crystal polymer), steel, fiberglass, a polyolefin, nylon,polyester, and other relatively strong, knittable materials or fibers.Regardless, it is to be understood that such cover materials would alsoinclude a cotton fiber that would be exposed so as to contact or objectto be wrapped.

In yet another embodiment, composite yarn may include a core materialand a cover material, wherein at least one cotton fiber, associated witheither the core material or cover material, includes an exposed externalsurface capable of facilitating contact with an object that contacts anexternal surface of the composite yarn.

In one embodiment of a composite yarn, the wrap fiber may comprise awrapped fiber cotton which comprises approximately 5 to 85 percent ofthe composite yarn by weight, and the core fiber may comprise ahigh-density polyethylene which comprises approximately 5 to 85 percentof the composite yarn by weight. Other embodiments may include othertypes of fibers and materials with different material compositionpercentages so long as a cotton wrap fiber or material is used andexposed as described herein.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of another example composite yarn inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The compositeyarn 400 of FIG. 4 may be used in the construction shown at 200 in FIG.2. The composite yarn 400 shown in FIG. 4 comprises a core material 402,a first cover material 404, and a second cover material 406. The firstcover material 404 and second cover material 406 are both wrapped arounda portion of the core material 402. In this embodiment, the corematerial 402 can be a cut resistant fiber or material such as steel. Inother embodiments, the core material 402 can include, but is not limitedto, high-density polyethylene, an aramid, acrylic, Vectran™ (liquidcrystal polymer), fiberglass, a polyolefin, nylon, polyester, and otherrelatively strong, knittable materials or fibers. Further, the firstcover material 404 may be fiberglass, or a cut resistant fiber ormaterial different than the core material. Thus, it is to be understoodthat the core material 402 is a steel fiber, the first cover materialmay be a different cut resistant fiber or material, such as fiberglass.In other embodiments, the first cover material may also be high-densitypolyethylene, an aramid, acrylic, Vectran™ (liquid crystal polymer), apolyolefin, nylon, polyester, and other relatively strong, knittablematerials or fibers. Yet further, in this embodiment, the second covermaterial 406 is a cotton fiber or material with an exposed externalsurface 408 capable of facilitating contact with an object to begripped. Various types of cotton fiber can be used for this second covermaterial.

Thus, in the embodiment shown, one or more cut resistant fibers ormaterials can be used as a second or additional cover material inconjunction with the core material and first cover material so long asat least one cotton fiber, associated with either the core material orcover material, includes an exposed external surface capable offacilitating contact with an object that contacts an external surface ofthe composite yarn.

In one embodiment of a composite yarn, a core material can include acotton fiber, and both the cover material and additional cover materialcan include cut resistant fibers. In this embodiment, the cotton fiberof the core material can have an exposed external surface capable offacilitating contact with an object that contacts an external surface ofthe composite yarn.

In another embodiment, the composite yarn may be made of a cotton fibercomprising approximately 20 to 84 percent of the composite yarn byweight, a steel fiber comprising approximately 8 to 45 percent of thecomposite yarn by weight, and a fiberglass fiber comprisingapproximately 8 to 45 percent of the composite yarn by weight. Otherembodiments can include other types of fibers and materials withdifferent material composition percentages.

In another embodiment, the composite yarn may be made of a cotton fibercomprising approximately 70 percent of the composite yarn by weight, asteel fiber comprising approximately 15 percent of the composite yarn byweight, and a fiberglass fiber comprising approximately 15 percent ofthe composite yarn by weight. Other embodiments can include other typesof fibers and materials with different material composition percentages.

FIG. 5 illustrates a manufacturing process for a composite yarn used incut resistant fabrics and garments in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention. The method 500 can be used to make a composite yarn, forexample, the composite yarn 204 in FIGS. 2 and 3, or the composite yarn400 in FIG. 4. The method 500 begins at block 502.

In block 502, a core material is provided for a composite yarn, whereinthe core material comprises a cut resistant fiber.

Block 502 is followed by block 504, in which a cover material isprovided for a composite yarn, wherein the cover material comprises atleast one cotton fiber.

Block 504 is followed by block 506, in which a portion of the corematerial is covered with a cover material, wherein an exposed externalsurface of the cover material can facilitate contact with an object thatcontacts an external surface of the composite yarn.

Block 506 is followed by block 508, in which, optionally, anotherportion of the core material is covered with an additional covermaterial, wherein the additional cover material comprises a cutresistant fiber.

The method 500 ends at block 508. Other processes or methods inAllocation Committee accordance with other embodiments of the inventioncan include fewer or greater elements.

FIG. 6 illustrates another manufacturing process for a composite yarnused in cut resistant fabrics and garments in accordance with anembodiment of the invention. The method 600 can be used to make acomposite yarn, for example, the composite yarn 204 in FIGS. 2 and 3, orthe composite yarn 400 in FIG. 4. The method 600 begins at block 602.

In block 602, a core material is provided for a composite yarn, whereinthe core material comprises a cotton fiber.

Block 602 is followed by block 604, in which a cover material isprovided for a composite yarn, wherein the cover material comprises acut resistant fiber.

Block 604 is followed by block 606, in which a portion of the corematerial is covered with a cover material, wherein an exposed externalsurface of the cotton fiber can facilitate contact with an object thatcontacts an external surface of the composite yarn.

Block 606 is followed by block 608, in which, optionally, anotherportion of the core material is covered with an additional covermaterial, wherein the additional cover material comprises a cutresistant fiber.

The method 600 ends at block 608. Other processes or methods inaccordance with other embodiments of the invention can include fewer orgreater elements.

A cut resistant fabric in accordance with an embodiment of the inventioncan be manufactured using a process or method, such as the method 700illustrated in FIG. 7. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the fabric canbe utilized in cut resistant garments, such as a cut resistant glove. Inone example, a fabric can be used to form the cut resistant glove 100shown in FIG. 1. In another example, a fabric can be used to form asleeve for a protective garment. The process or method 700 for making acut resistant fabric, for example, fabric 200 described in FIG. 2,begins at block 702.

In block 702, a plurality of composite yarn is provided. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 7, each composite yarn can include a cutresistant fiber and at least one cotton fiber, wherein an exposedexternal surface of the cotton fiber can facilitate contact with anobject that contacts an external surface of the composite yarn. Examplesof suitable composite yarns are described above with respect to FIGS. 3,4, 5 and 6.

Block 702 is followed by block 704, in which the plurality of compositeyarns is incorporated into a body of a fabric. In this embodiment, theplurality of composite yarns can be woven or knitted into a body of afabric using a plain weave, similar to the fabric shown in FIG. 2. Theplurality of composite yarns can be subjected to other types of weavesin accordance with other embodiments of the invention. In oneembodiment, the fabric can be processed into a glove to conform with theshape of a user's hand, similar to the glove 100 in FIG. 1.

At bock 704, the process or method 700 ends. Other processes or methodsin accordance with other embodiments of the invention can include feweror greater elements.

While the above description contains many specifics, these specificsshould not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention,but merely as exemplifications of the disclosed embodiments. Thoseskilled in the art will envision many other possible variations thatwithin the scope of the invention.

1. A composite yarn, comprising: a cotton fiber; and a high-densitypolyethylene fiber, wherein a composite yarn is formed having a portionof the cotton fiber exposed so that said exposed portion may be placedinto contact with an object to be gripped or otherwise engaged.
 2. Acomposite yarn, comprising: a cotton fiber; a steel fiber; and afiberglass fiber, wherein a composite yarn is formed having a portion ofthe cotton fiber exposed so that said exposed position may be placedinto contact with an object to be gripped or otherwise engaged.
 3. Aprotective garment such as a glover, comprising: a cotton fiber; and anaramid-based fiber, wherein a portion of said cotton fiber is exposedsuch that it may be placed into contact with an object to be gripped orotherwise engaged.
 4. The protective garment of claim 3, wherein saidaramid-based fiber comprises a polyethylene fiber.
 5. The protectivegarment of claim 3, wherein said aramid-based fiber comprises a steelfiber.
 6. The protective garment of claim 3, wherein said aramid-basedfiber comprises a fiberglass fiber.
 7. The protective garment of claim 3wherein said aramid-based fiber includes a steel fiber and a fiberglassfiber.
 8. The garment of claim 3 wherein the aramid-based fiber isselected from the group consisting of an acrylic fiber, a polymer fiber,a steel fiber, a fiberglass fiber, a nylon fiber, and a polyester fiber.9. A composite yarn, comprising: a first core material; a first covermaterial wrapped around a portion of said material; and a second covermaterial wrapped around a portion of said core material, wherein saidfirst core material and said first cover material comprise acut-resistant fiber, and wherein said second cover material comprises agripping fiber exposed at least in part to contact an object, wherebysaid composite yarn may be used as a protective garment by which tocontact and engage an object.
 10. The composite yarn of claim 9 whereinsaid first cover material comprises an aramid-based fiber selected fromthe group consisting of an acrylic fiber, a polymer fiber, a steelfiber, a fiberglass fiber, a nylon fiber, and a polyester fiber.
 11. Thecomposite yarn of claim 10, wherein said second cover material iscomprised of a cotton fiber.
 12. A method of making a composite yarncomprising the steps of: providing a core material; and covering aportion of said core material with a first covering fiber so as toexpose at least a portion of said first covering fiber to an object tobe contacted.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein said core materialcomprises a cut-resistant fiber selected from the group of an acrylicfiber, a polymer fiber, a steel fiber, a fiberglass fiber, a nylonfiber, and a polyester fiber.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein saidfirst covering fiber comprises a cotton fiber.
 15. The method of claim12 wherein said method further includes the step of covering a portionof said core material with a second cover fiber wherein said secondcover fiber comprises a cut-resistant fiber.
 16. The method of claim 13wherein said core material comprises a cut-resistant fiber.
 17. Themethod of claim 13 wherein said first covering fiber comprises a cottonfiber
 18. The method of claim 13 wherein said second covering fibercomprises an aramid-based fiber selected from the group of an acrylicfiber, a polymer fiber, a steel fiber, a fiberglass fiber, a nylonfiber, and a polyester fiber.